Rising above the grind: How Gen Z and Millennials are redefining work
Raised in a digital age, they have witnessed the rise of the gig economy and the potential for remote work.
PAUL NG26 Feb 2025 09:00am
For the younger generation, work-life balance isn’t just about dividing time between the office and home. Photo: Canva
More and more young adults are ditching the 9-to-5 grind in favour of a life that's more fulfilling and flexible. They believe adulting is about purpose, autonomy, and prioritising their well-being — not just climbing the corporate ladder.
THE NEW NORMAL?
For the younger generation, work-life balance isn't just about dividing time between the office and home. It's about integrating work into a lifestyle that allows for personal growth both mentally and spiritually.
A recent Deloitte Insights report underscores a shift in workforce priorities, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. These generations are demanding a new standard of work-life balance that centres on flexibility, mental well-being, and a sense of purpose.
Traditional incentives like high salaries and prestigious titles are no longer the primary motivators.
The report reveals that a significant portion of Gen Z (25 per cent) and Millennials (31 per cent) prioritise a healthy work-life balance when selecting an employer. Furthermore, the leading reason for leaving previous roles, according to those surveyed, was the detrimental impact on their mental health.
This shift in priorities explains the growing appeal of freelancing among young adults. Raised in a digital age, they have witnessed the rise of the gig economy and the potential for remote work through platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr.
LIVING THE FREELANCE LIFE
Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, grabbing a coffee, and diving into a project that truly excites you. This is the reality for many freelancers, who enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with building their own careers.
This dream of taking control of her own future was what inspired 29-year-old Joleyne Yeo. Tired of the corporate grind and yearning for a more meaningful career, she took a leap of faith, leaving her marketing job to pursue her passion for writing.
"It wasn't easy," she admits. "Unpredictable income, the constant pressure to produce good content, and moments of self-doubt were all part of the journey."
Through perseverance, creativity, and a genuine connection with her audience, Joleyne managed to build a growing career as a freelance writer and proofreader. Now, she's not just working; she's living her passion on her own terms.
Freelancing offers valuable experience across industries and helps you develop a wide range of skills, making you highly adaptable in today's challenging job market.
Anand Raj, a former IT technician, traded his monotonous office job for the freedom of the open road by becoming a full-time e-hailing driver. While his family initially disapproved, he fell in love with the flexibility and sense of independence his new career provided.
"The long hours on the road take getting used to," he jokes, "but I don't have to deal with office politics anymore!"
While he has not ruled out returning to a full-time job someday, he is happy to have the extra time to spend with his family.
A FLEXIBLE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
While many professionals seek work-life balance through remote work or freelancing, some are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of flexible working arrangements.
Racheal Kaur works as an assistant manager for a local airline, and flies each day from her home in Penang to her office in Kuala Lumpur. Her unusual commute caused a stir after being featured in recent news reports.
Admittedly, Racheal’s situation may not be applicable to everyone; as an employee of the airline, her flight tickets are heavily discounted. However, her reasons for choosing to fly from Penang instead of living in KL and wasting hours stuck in traffic are something most people can relate to.
She decided to commute by air so that she could spend more time with her young children. “With them growing, I feel that they need for their mother to be around more often," she shared.
"With this arrangement, I'm able to go home every day, see them at night, and help with last-minute homework.”
A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR EMPLOYERS
To attract and retain top talent, employers need to adapt. Offering flexible work arrangements, project-based opportunities, and prioritising employee well-being are crucial.
Embracing the growing pool of freelance talent by creating mutually beneficial partnerships can also foster a more dynamic workforce.
Whether it's flexible schedules, full-time freelancing, or innovative approaches to work-life balance, young adults today are demonstrating that success can be achieved on their own terms.
When it comes to work and life, would you rather endure unhappiness for a paycheck or embrace unemployment with its own set of challenges? Take our quiz to discover how you would really handle that situation. Click here to find out!
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
